She shrugged her shoulders impatiently.
"By the first boat to Bombay." "In a week's time, then ?" said Mrs.Oliver, quickly.
Shere Ali glanced swiftly at her, seeking the meaning of that question.
Did regret prompt it?
Or, on the other hand, was she glad?
"Yes, in a week's time," he replied slowly.
"Why ?" asked Linforth.

"Is there trouble in Chiltistan ?" He spoke regretfully.

It would be hard luck if that uneasy State were to wake again into turmoil while he was kept kicking his heels at Chatham.
"Yes, there is trouble," Shere Ali replied.

"But it is not the kind of trouble which will help you forward with the Road." The trouble, indeed, was of quite another kind.

The Russians were not stirring behind the Hindu Kush or on the Pamirs.